Cocoa

Climate change is a looming threat for many aspects of human society, not the least of which is agriculture and food. Theobroma cacao, the plant behind the much-loved chocolate bars, is especially vulnerable to shifts in precipitation and temperature regimes. It also forms the backbone for many smallholder farmers in tropical areas. This study examines the bioclimatic suitability of current cocoa growing areas under future climate change projections, and proposes areas to focus further attention on research. While the cocoa belt as a whole faces declining suitability for growing, some of the most crucial regions for the cocoa industry – West Africa and the Amazon – are under augmented threat as the century progresses. With this knowledge as backdrop, it is possible to direct energy not only into adaptation measures for regions at risk (including alternative management and crop diversification), but also look to new opportunities for cocoa farming.

Szent István Egyetem Élelmiszertudományi Kar, Élelmiszermérnök Bsc.
Édes-és zsiradékipari technológiák és minőségügy,
Gabona- és Iparinövény Technológiai Tanszék
Hallgató neve: Zajkás Bálint
Dolgozat címe: Mogyorókrémek fizikai, kémiai tulajdonságainak meghatározása

Munkám koncepciója egy olyan édesipari mogyoró spread készítmény (NUTELLA® - Ferrero utánzat) elkészítése volt, amely szemben a kereskedelemben is kapható nutella-analógokkal megnövekedett százalékban tartalmaznak mogyorót. Így, kiváltképp a mogyoró tartalom növekedésével, már legitim módon lehet őket hívni „mogyorókrémnek” és nem pusztán „mogyorós krémnek”.
Ennek az ötletnek a mentén az eredeti NUTELLA® - Ferrero 13 %-os mogyorótartalmából kiindulva, 20-, 30-, 40-, illetve 50 %-ra növeltem a mogyorótartalmakat az egyes spreadekben.
A munkám mérnöki részét az adta, hogy feltérképezzem milyen érzékszervi, kémiai (beltartalombeli) illetve fizikai (plaszticitásbeli) eltéréseket tudnak okozni ezen változtatások.
Az analízis, hogy meg tudjam határozni a számomra kérdéses paramétereket, az alábbi módokon történtek:
• Alfa-bróm naftalinos zsírtartalom meghatározás
• SMS Texture Analyser műszerrel történő állomány mérés
Mind a kettő esetben, számos hasonló termék kutatásainak vonatkozásában lévő szakirodalmat átböngészve, bebizonyosodott, hogy ez a két (reológiai és élelmiszerkémiai) módszer kitűnően alkalmas arra, hogy a vizsgálandó mintáimat mérjem velük.
Továbbá, fontos mérési szempont volt az is, hogy legyen mihez viszonyítani, a „házilag (laborban) legyártott nutelláimat.
Így, két, a fogyasztók számára már jól ismert mogyorókrémet állítottam, be kontroll mintává:
• NUTELLA® - Ferrero
• Lidl Choco nussa
Ezek az évek óta, nagy gyártó kapacitással előállított, és világszerte előszeretettel fogyasztott mogyorókrémek, adták a viszonyítási alapot a krémjeimhez. Hátoldalukon felcímkézett (összetétel béli) paraméterek is „leellenőrizhetőek” voltak, például az Abbé-féle zsírtartalom meghatározással.
A méréseim előtt számolásokat végeztem, azt illetően, hogy a megnövekedett mogyorótartalom (török mogyorót 63,5 %-a zsiradék, aminek 78 %-a telitettlen zsírsav) mennyivel fogja megnövelni a termék össz zsiradék tartalmát, folyósságát.
Előzetes számolás után, összehasonlítottam a mérési eredményeimmel (α-bróm naftalinos zsírtartalom meghatározás) és az alábbiakat kaptam:
• 20 %-os nutella, 35,35 %-os „becsült” zsiradéktartalma helyett, a pontos mérési módszerrel lemért zsírtartalom 34,50 % m/m volt
• 30 %-os nutella, 41,70 %-os „becsült” zsiradéktartalma helyett, a pontos mérési módszerrel lemért zsírtartalom 37,36 % m/m volt
• 40 %-os nutella, 48,05 %-os „becsült” zsiradéktartalma helyett, a pontos mérési módszerrel lemért zsírtartalom 44,52 % m/m volt
• 50 %-os nutella, 54,40 %-os „becsült” zsiradéktartalma helyett, a pontos mérési módszerrel lemért zsírtartalom 51,22 % m/m volt
A penetrométeres állomány méréssel egyértelmű folyáshatárbeli csökkenéseket tudtam bizonyítani, a mogyoró tartalom megnövekedésével konzekvens módon.
A (mérőfej által) befektetett munka is egyre kisebb volt, ahogy a több telítettlen zsírsavat tartalmazó mogyorókrémbe behatolt a penetrométer, egyre kisebbnek bizonyult a maximális erő, amelyet az előre beállított 20 mm-es behatási távolsághoz engedtünk meg.
A mért minták, így a 20-, 30-, 40-, illetve 50 %-os mogyorótartalomra való növedékessel arányosan, tendenciózusan plaszticitásbeli növekedést is mutattak, amely más élelmiszerekhez való felhasználás szempontjából (kenyérre kenhetőség, töltelékként való alkalmazás stb.) jogos aggályokat vethet fel, a massza kezelhetőségének szempontjából.

This report presents the findings of an independent evaluation carried out by Dr. Ritu Mahendru. The evaluation, commissioned by Oxfam’s Behind the Brands (BtB) initiative, provides an analysis of gender assessments and action plans published by Mars, Mondelēz, and Nestlé from the top three (3) cocoa-producing countries namely Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Indonesia.

O Sistema Agroflorestal Cabruca (SAC) é um caso sui generis de lavoura compatível com o Pagamento por Serviços Ambientais (PSA). O presente trabalho analisa circunstâncias que envolvem a aplicação do PSA no SAC. O objetivo geral é esquematizar uma metodologia de valoração do PSA para o SAC, a fim de difundir a aplicação desses instrumentos na região produtora de cacau da Bahia. Especificamente objetiva-se identificar os serviços ambientais prestados pelo SAC que se adequam à lei de PSA do Estado da Bahia, qual seja, a Lei Estadual nº 13.223/2015; quantificar o custo de oportunidade de adoção da lavoura cacaueira pelo SAC para servir de base à metodologia de valoração do PSA; e identificar uma metodologia de valoração do PSA relativo ao SAC. A questão ambiental contemporânea é contextualizada a partir do histórico da região produtora de cacau na Bahia juntamente com a atual conjuntura. Detalha o PSA, verificando as bases teóricas e o marco legal aplicado à realidade baiana, inserindo-o no contexto de produção do cacau no SAC. Para tanto, é desenvolvida uma metodologia de valoração econômica dos serviços ambientais prestados pelo SAC que atenda à legislação pertinente e seja razoável, sob o ponto de vista econômico. A metodologia delineada refere-se ao custo de oportunidade entre a lavoura de cacau cultivada na forma do SAC e a lavoura de cacau cultivada a pleno sol. Considera como custo de oportunidade a perda de produção provocada pelo sombreamento no SAC. De acordo com a realidade aqui analisada, os serviços ambientais prestados pelo SAC se enquadram na Lei Estadual nº 13.223/2015 e podem fazer com que o SAC figure como área beneficiada por programa de PSA. Assim, foram elaborados cenários buscando-se estimar os custos e benefícios (receitas) para o agricultor que mantém serviços ambientais, com vistas a informar eventual programa de PSA. Foram estimados o valor dos serviços prestados, a transferência de renda máxima e os impactos no orçamento do Estado da Bahia, no orçamento da Secretaria de Meio Ambiente do Estado da Bahia, no PIB baiano e no PIB dos municípios produtores de cacau. Os diferentes cenários e simulações foram estruturados de forma que se possa ter uma configuração mais próxima da realidade estudada. Conclui que os valores estimados para a política de PSA são razoáveis, inclusive quanto ao preço do serviço. Os valores máximos indicaram que eventual política de PSA deve considerar a captação de recursos privados; sem olvidar a participação do orçamento público, possibilitando um fundo misto. A transferência de renda apontada melhora a competitividade do produtor, remunerando-o pelo serviço ambiental prestado, e ainda reintroduz a externalidade negativa na contabilidade da atividade degradadora. O SAC responde positivamente aos anseios locais e globais em matéria ambiental, contribui para a conservação do bioma Mata Atlântica e assume a característica de um sistema de produção sustentável.

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Para superar o desmatamento, as queimadas e a violência, é preciso perguntar: precisamos da pecuária bovina extensiva na Amazônia? Esta pergunta tem que envolver o consumidor brasileiro, pois a maior parte da carne produzida na Amazônia é para consumo interno

A bioeconomia é um conceito gelatinoso, pegajoso, todo mundo sai melado quando fala essa palavra mágica – uma armadilha! Quem mesmo sabe o que ela representa? Ou, o que se quer da bioeconomia? Sabe-se o que ela não é, o que não se quer que ela perpetue – a destruição sistemática dos meios naturais, dos serviços ambientais e da violação dos direitos humanos e os modos tradicionais de vida. A boieconomia (boi mesmo!) não é bioeconomia, não dá pintar de verde os pobres boizinhos que pascentam e destroem a Amazônia (e de roldão, o nosso planetinha). Povoar metade das terras aráveis do planeta com a pecuária extensiva (de diversos animais, especialmente a bovino-figura) constitui uma das decisões de mais graves consequências da humanidade.

Quando a boieconomia (e seus condutores, os boiadeiros) penetra as terras firmes da Amazônia a valer, a partir da década de 1960 com a ditadura militar e os seus generosos subsídios e facilidades (que se perpetuam), e a violação dos direitos de povos e comunidades tradicionais, a história da Amazônia passa a pegar fogo.

El presente trabajo analiza la importancia del servicio de traducción e interpretación en las negociaciones internacionales por parte de las empresas ecuatorianas exportadoras, considerando
que en la actualidad existe un mayor interés por parte de los productores locales por captar un porcentaje de mercado en Asia. De acuerdo a este hecho uno de los aspectos importantes es
el papel del traductor y del intérprete en la comunicación con los importadores. Sin embargo, las empresas del sector cacaotero no cuentan con un departamento de traducción e interpretación
(T&I), o no manejan adecuadamente el idioma inglés. Para llevar a cabo el trabajo se utilizó una investigación cualitativa, para lo cual fue necesario realizar entrevistas a varios actores de este
sector económico.

Every chocolate lover should know that Trinidad and Tobago is the birthplace of Trinitario cacao trees that produce Trinitario cocoa beans. For those who enjoy dark chocolate, and indeed all others, being the 'cradle' of Trinitario cacao and cocoa is a very laudable distinction for the twin-island republic of Trinidad & Tobago (also the birthplace of steel pan). Criollo and Trinitario cocoa beans are among the select cocoa beans collectively known as "fine or flavour" cocoa (http://www.innovactplatform.eu/value-chains/fine-flavour-cocoa) that is used to manufacture fine (dark or gourmet) chocolates and covertures throughout the world, and commands premium prices on the world market. Trinitario cacao is not known in the wild state; it is not found at the reputed centre of genetic diversity of cacao (in the vicinity of the headwaters of the Amazon River, South America). It only exists in cultivated areas. The term "Trinitario" was coined by the Spaniards, most likely in Venezuela, and means "from Trinidad". Trinitario cacao is the product of crossing, which first occurred in Trinidad, between the Criollo ("native") cacao, originally introduced by the Spanish colonists into the island in the 16th or early 17th century, and Forastero ("exotic") cacao that was later brought in from Venezuela after a "blast" , in 1727, destroyed the original Criollo plantings. This crossing or hybridisation occurred between these imported "Forasteros" and the surviving Criollo plants. The "Forasteros" were most likely "Amelonados" ('Calabacillos') from the Orinoco estuary (for more on the classification of cacao see Wood and Lass 1985). This hybridisation did not occur previously, in the wild, since the Criollo and Forastero cacao there were separated by physical barriers: mountains. Trinitarios were later transferred from Trinidad to Venezuela, and then to other countries in the region such as Jamaica, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and Suriname, and further afield to Central and South America (including Costa Rica and Mexico and Ecuador, respectively), and to Fiji, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar and Samoa in S.E. Asia, and the African countries of Cameroun, Ghana and Nigeria.  In fact, Trinitario cacao is currently found wherever there has been or exists a mixture of Criollo and Amazon Forastero cacao planting material in close proximity.

Côte d'Ivoire became the first world producer of cocoa beans in 1970 by reducing forest cover and by losing biodiversity. The West-central region of the country was a former production site of cocoa, and contributed strongly to the annual supply of cocoa beans, but today, the plantations are old and the soils are poor, especially in the region of Daloa. To increase the yield of production, farmers use artificial fertilizers and the effect on cocoa trees is not really known. Our study aims to determine the agronomic characters improved by the application of the artificial fertilizer. In the plantations of the villages Dibobly, tien-oula and Zitta, non-experimental and experimental plots were installed and measures on cacao trees on a surface of 2 400m 2 were realized. The results showed that the cover of flowers by feet and the number of fruits had significantly increased with fertilizer. However, the fertilizer had no really effect on the size of fruits, the mass of fruits and the number of cocoa beans. Also, the varieties of cocoa trees like Forastero and Criollo, had a different productivity for the same application of fertilizer. The productivity of the cocoa trees depends of the quality of the fertilizer but also of the cultivated variety. The results could allow improving the quality of the fertilizer and use it consequently. RESUME: La Côte d'Ivoire est devenue depuis 1970, le premier producteur mondial de fèves de cacaoyer. Cette ascension s'est faite au dépend du couvert forestier et de la biodiversité. Le Centre-Ouest du pays, ancienne centre de production du cacao, contribue encore aujourd'hui à la fourniture annuelle de fèves de cacao, mais les plantations âgées et les sols épuisés ont entrainés une baisse du rendement, surtout dans la région de Daloa. Pour augmenter le rendement des plantations, le paysan à recours à l'utilisation d'engrais chimiques dont l'effet sur le cacaoyer n'est pas véritablement connu. Notre étude a pour but de déterminer les caractères agronomiques améliorés par l'application de l'engrais chimique. Dans les plantations des villages de Dibobly, Tien-oula et Zitta, des parcelles expérimentales et témoins ont été installées et des mesures sur des pieds de cacaoyers couvrant une surface de 2 400m 2 ont été réalisées. Les résultats ont montré que la couverture en fleurs des pieds et le nombre de cabosses ont significativement augmentés en présence d'engrais. Cependant, l'engrais n'a pratiquement pas eu d'effet sur la taille des cabosses, la masse des cabosses et le nombre de fèves. Aussi, les variétés de cacaoyers Forastero et Criollo, ont une productivité différente pour un même apport d'engrais. La productivité des plantations de cacaoyers est fonction de la qualité de l'engrais mais aussi de l'espèce cultivée. Les résultats pourraient permettre d'améliorer la qualité de l'engrais et de cibler son action pour une meilleure production cacaoyère. MOTS-CLEFS: Agrobiodiversité, agroforesterie, aménagement, culture de rente, économie. Effet des engrais chimiques sur les caractères agronomiques des variétés de cacaoyers dans la région de Daloa (Centre-Ouest, Côte d'Ivoire)

This review aims to show the potential nutritional waste and by-products of cocoa in animals through scientific studies. Indeed, research indicates that the waste and by-products generally contain cocoa 12-17% protein, major minerals (Ca, P, K, Na) and fibers that predispose them to feed. Tested in ruminants, chickens, snails, pigs and rabbits, they have been beneficial to low levels. Because these foods contain theobromine, antintritionnel factor, witch limits their use in livestock. However, appropriate treatments can help to increase the quantities of waste and by-products of cocoa in animal diets.

Dedication Mr Scott Kimpton, who was a postgraduate student at Curtin, passed away on 2 July 2009. Scott, an enthusiastic fi eldworker, was involved in data collection for the cocoa component of this chapter. He is fondly remembered by his colleagues and friends, and we dedicate this chapter to his memory.

Efficient Object Recognition and Tracking are main challenging assignments in computer vision techniques. A very big challenge in many object detection techniques using deep learning may lead to slow and non-accurate performance. This Project Aims to detect and tracking of objects efficiently and accurately in real time .Detecting any object is important in understanding object activities. Here we completely used deep learning networking techniques .The network is trained on most used and challenging dataset COCO. The result is very fast and accurate where object recognition is required.

This report presents the findings of a four year study of the poverty impact of voluntary sustainability standards, such as Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance and Organic, in Ecuadorian Cocoa. This study is one of four country cases covered in a DFID study 'assessing the poverty of voluntary sustainability standards'.

West Sulawesi Province is one of the cocoa production centers in Indonesia. This study aims to choose the right priority strategy in cocoa agribusiness development. The data used are primary data and secondary data which are analyzed using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) with Expert Choice 11.0 software. There are five alternative strategies used in this study, namely (1) Rejuvenating / rehabilitating old plants by using superior plant material to increase production and quality. (2) Increasing the capacity and quality of cocoa farmers' human resources through empowerment activities. (3) Arranging infrastructure better to facilitate the transportation of products and production facilities. (4) Encouraging the use of quality plant materials to increase production and quality according to market demand. (5) Enforce mandatory SNI to guarantee the quality of West Sulawesi cocoa production. An alternative strategy that is a top priority is to rejuvenate old plants using superior plant material to increase production and yield quality with a weight of 0.241. ABSTRAK Propinsi Sulawesi Barat adalah salah satu sentra produksi kakao di Indonesia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memilih strategi prioritas yang tepat dalam pengembangan agribisnis kakao. Data yang digunakan adalah data primer dan data sekunder yang dianalisis menggunakan Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) dengan software Expert Chioce 11.0. Ada lima alternatif strategi yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini, yaitu (1)Melakukan peremajaan/rehabilitasi tanaman tua dengan menggunakan bahan tanaman unggul untuk meningkatkan produksi dan mutu hasil. (2)Meningkatkan kemampuan dan kualitas SDM petani kakao melalui kegiatan pemberdayaan. (3)Menata infrastruktur lebih baik untuk memperlancar transportasi hasil dan sarana produksi. (4)Mendorong penggunaan bahan tanaman bermutu dalam rangka peningkatan produksi dan mutu sesuai permintaan pasar. (5)Memberlakukan SNI wajib untuk menjamin kualitas hasil produksi kakao Sulawesi Barat. Strategi alternatif yang menjadi prioritas utama adalah melakukan peremajaan tanaman tua dengan menggunakan bahan tanaman unggul untuk meningkatkan produksi dan mutu hasil dengan bobot sebesar 0.241. Kata kunci : Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), kakao, strategi PENDAHULUAN Kontribusi subsektor perkebunan dalam PDB pada tahun 2017 sekitar 3,47 % merupakan urutan pertama di sektor Pertanian, Peternakan, Perburuan dan Jasa Pertanian.

"Саагун Б. де., Куприенко С. А.

Общая история о делах Новой Испании. Книги X-XI: Познания астеков в медицине и ботанике / Бернардино де Саагун, С. А. Куприенко. — Киев : Видавець Купрієнко С. А., 2013. — 218 с. : ил. — (Месоамерика. Источники. История. Человек).

ISBN 978-617-7085-07-1



В предлагаемом Вашему вниманию издании впервые осуществлен перевод на русский язык X и XI книг фундаментального труда францисканского монаха Бернардино де Саагуна (1498 или 1500–1590). Данные книги, в основном, посвящены вопросам медицины и ботаники. Для написания такого медицинского трактата автор использовал в качестве информаторов индейских лекарей, предоставивших львиную долю сведений о местных растениях, болезнях, лекарствах и методах лечения.

В отечественной науке до сих пор отсутствовали какие-либо исследования по истории медицины или ботаники астеков, поэтому публикация столь важного исторического источника должна будет восполнить этот пробел и пробудить живой интерес к наследию одной из месоамериканских цивилизаций. В своей «Истории» сам Саагун дал описания 123 лекарственным травам, в то время, как в текстах его информаторов упоминаются 266 растений. В целом же, в его книгах упоминаются 724 растения, из которых можно идентифицировать 328 видов, относящихся к 101 семье. Примечательно, что автор дал, фактически, первые описания таким растениям: кукуруза, чиа, авокадо, амарант, фасоль, тыква, агава, гуайява, черимойя, перец красный острый, табак, батат, какао, маниок, капулин, лукума, опунция, хикама, сапота, томат, ваниль, юкка и многим другим.

Книга рассчитана на студентов, аспирантов и преподавателей исторических, филологических, биологических факультетов и медицинских вузов, а также всех тех, кто интересуется доколумбовыми цивилизациями.



УДК 94(399.7)(093) +572+581.6+581.9+582+615.1+615.8+811.822

ББК Е5г + Р28г + Р.г(7) + Т3(7)213 + Ш177.16""

This study was carried out to determine the functional and antioxidative properties of blends of sorghum ogi flour and cocoa powder. The blends were produced by adding cocoa powder in proportional gradients of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% to sorghum ogi. The pH, total titratable acidity, bulk density, oil absorption capacity and least gelation concentration of the resulting samples as determined were 4.13 to 6.69, 0.109 to 0.198%, 0.515 to 0.646 g/mL, 133.50 to 144.24% and 6 to 12%, respectively. The swelling power and solubility of the blends decreased with the inclusion of cocoa powder but increased with increase in temperature upon evaluation. The water absorption capacity increased with addition of cocoa powder and increase in temperature. The extent of relationship of the swelling power, solubility and water absorption capacity of all the samples, control sample (100% ogi sample) inclusive, to temperature was found to be polynomial in nature. The antioxidative activities (DPPH radical scavenging ability, ferric reducing ability, metal chelating ability and total phenolic content) of the blends also increased proportionately with increase in the inclusion of cocoa powder. The study established that the inclusion of cocoa powder enhanced the functional and antioxidative properties of the enriched sorghum ogi samples.

Se estudiaron los diversos factores exógenos y endógenos que vienen incidiendo en el desempeño de la cooperativa CACAONICA, con la finalidad de poder establecer pautas que le permitan mejorar su posicionamiento y gobernanza dentro de la cadena en la que participa. Se recopiló información primaria a través de la aplicación de cuestionarios a productores (n=70), entrevistas semiestructuradas a los actores claves de la cadena (n=17) y 4 talleres participativos con un grupo focal conformado por 18 personas involucradas directamente con el desempeño de la organización.

The objective of this paper was to assess the influence of single standing shade trees in cocoa agroforestry systems on soil moisture and light availability for cocoa in the dry seasons and how these environmental factors affect potential pod yields of cocoa. The research was conducted in a moist semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana. Seven different shade trees that were commonly found in cocoa systems were selected. An effect ratio was used to compare tree sub-canopy effects to the open area effects. Morinda lucida (0.19), Spathodea campanulata (0.16) and Ficus capensis (0.13) showed favourable soil moisture conditions, however Citrus sinensis (-0.26) revealed a lower soil moisture content in the sub-canopy. Entandrophragma angolense and Terminalia superba had the highest transmitted percentage light of 69.2% and 67.1% respectively and the lowest being Mangifera indica (3%). The potential pod yields of cocoa were higher under Morinda lucida (0.40), Terminalia superba (0.40) and Entandrophragma angolense (0.35) but lowest under Mangifera indica (-0.55). Morinda lucida, Spathodea campanulata, Entandrophragma angolense and Terminalia superba in cocoa agroforestry systems potentially ensure higher soil moisture content and light availability in the sub-canopy, especially during the dry seasons, which could translate into higher cocoa pod yields.

Ghana is currently experiencing aged population among cocoa farmers, posing a danger to the future of the commodity. In this study, we examined the determinants of youth migration and its effect on youth participation in cocoa farming in rural Ghana using 2278 data points from the Next Generation Cocoa Youth Programme (i.e. MASO), generated by Solidaridad and partner organizations. By estimating a Seemingly Unrelated Bivariate regression model, the study found that youth migration reduced their probability of participation in cocoa farming. The factors that jointly influenced youth migration and participation in cocoa farming were sex, educational level, MASO effect, and mobile phone usage. While training received after the MASO programme positively and significantly influenced youth migration; age, marital status, farm size, and savings influenced youth participation in cocoa farming. The study recommends that gender-sensitive advocacy programmes should be introduced by stakeholders in cocoa farming communities to minimise youth migration. Interventions like the MASO programme should broaden their geographic scope to train the youth on agribusiness and entrepreneurship skills development as these have the tendency of reducing migration of youth from cocoa producing communities in rural Ghana.

Ekstrak kulit buah kakao merupakan inhibitor alami yang dapat digunakan untuk menghambat laju reaksi korosi . Penelitian ini diawali dengan mengekstraksi kulit buah kakao dengan cara maserasi kemudian dilanjutkan dengan evaporasi pada rotary vacuum evaporator dan ekstraknya digunakan sebagai inhibitor dengan konsentrasi 600, 800 dan 1000 ppm, dengan sampel uji korosi yaitu baja dengan ukuran 1 × 2 cm dengan ketebalan 0,1 cm dan media korosif air laut, air hujan dan asam sulfat 1M. Efisiensi inhibisi tertinggi yang dihasilkan adalah 93,06 % , dengan konsentrasi inhibitor 600 ppm dalam media korosif air hujan; yang berarti bahwa ekstrak kulit buah kakao lebih efisien digunakan pada media korosif air hujan.

The dynamic global market in the world of business forces firms to initiate quick and favourable actions in order to stay active in this ever-changing world of business. The study investigated the post liberalization and privatization effect of competition on smaller Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) in the Ghanaian Cocoa industry using the Kuapa Kokoo Limited’ (KKL) situation. The study also sought to unravel the nature of competition and challenges stemming from the competition among LBCs. The study utilized the Herfindahl–Hirschman Indexes and the K-concentration ratio to examine the nature of competition in the industry. Responses were gathered from one hundred and twenty-three (N = 123) employees of KKL. The study revealed that, competition exists in the cocoa industry but is greatly controlled by LBCs with larger market shares and that out of this emanate threats for smaller LBCs in the cocoa industry. The study indicated that major challenges stemming from the competition included unfair influence by LBCs, bamboozlement of smaller LBCs by well-established bigger LBCs, breach of agreements between LBCs and farmers etc. It is therefore recommended that the present cocoa purchasing regulations be adequately enforced to better control the effects of unhealthy competitions in the internal market of the cocoa industry.

Keywordscompetitioncocoa industrylicence buying companiesprivatizationliberalizationKuapa Kokoo Ltd

ABSTRAK Komoditas pertanian seperti perkebunan kakao dianggap sangat membantu perekonomian masyarakat, akan tetapi kondisi perkebunan kakao saat ini berdampak negatif terhadap pendapatan para petani kakao. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui prioritas faktor (kriteria) dalam pengembangan agribisnis kakao di Provinsi Sulawesi Barat. Metode deskriptif analisis digunakan untuk menentukan kirteria-kriteria yang prioritas dalam strategi pengembangan agribisnis kakao. Ada lima faktor yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu, subsistem pengadaan input pertanian, subsistem budidaya, subsistem pengolahan, subsistem pemasaran dan susbsistem penunjang. Penelitian ini menggunakan analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Hasil analisis penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kriteria yang paling penting dalam pengembangan agribisnis kakao adalah subsistem hulu dengan nilai eigenvector 0.281. Prioritas berikutnya secara berturut-turut adalah subsistem pemasaran dengan nilai eigenvector 0.221; subsistem penunjang dengan nilai eigenvector 0.194; subsistem budidaya dengan nilai eigenvector 0.188; subsistem pengolahan dengan nilai eigenvector 0.116; Hasil keseluruhan memiliki rasio konsistensi 0.01. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa perbandingan antar kriteria bersifat konsisten. Subsistem hulu sebagai prioritas utama, dimana pengembangan agribisnis pada subsistem hulu merupakan subsistem agribisnis yang melakukan kegiatan ekonomi dalam menghasilkan dan menyediakan sarana produksi pertanian terbaik agar mampu menghasilkan produk usahatani yang berkualitas. Kata kunci : Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), kakao, subsistem agribisnis PENDAHULUAN Pertanian sebagai lapangan usaha dan lapangan kerja yang dapat menghasilkan barang dan jasa untuk memenuhi permintaan pasar dengan tujuan untuk memperoleh nilai tambah yang maksimal secara kompetitif. Agribisnis sebagai suatu sistem adalah merupakan seperangkat unsur yang secara teratur saling berkaitan sehingga membentuk suatu totalitas. Disini dapat diartikan bahwa agribisnis terdiri dari berbagai sub sistem yang tergabung dalam rangkaian interaksi dan interpedensi secara reguler, serta terorganisir sebagai suatu totalitas. Cakupan agribisnis yang cukup luas, melibatkan banyak lembaga, dimana agribisnis mencakup semua kegiatan mulai dari pengadaan dan penyaluran sarana produksi sampai pada kegiatan pemasaran produk-produk yang dihasilkan usahatani atau produk lain. Dengan demikian agribisnis merupakan suatu sistem yang terdiri dari (1) subsistem hulu, (2) subsistem budidaya, (3) subsistem pengolahan, (4) subsistem pemasaran, dan (5) subsistem penunjang. Karena merupakan sistem dimana setiap subsistemnya banyak lembaga yang terkait, maka keterkaitan antar subsistem tersebut sangat erat. Keberhasilan agribisnis tergatung pada kemajuan-kemajuan yang dapat dicapai di setiap subsistemnya. Perkebunan mempunyai peranan yang penting dan strategis dalam pembangunan nasional, terutama dalam meningkatkan kemakmuran dan kesejahteraan rakyat, penerimaan devisa negara, penyediaan lapangan kerja, perolehan nilai tambah dan daya saing, pemenuhan kebutuhan konsumsi dalam negeri, bahan baku industri dalam negeri serta optimalisasi pengelolaan sumber daya alam secara berkelanjutan.

I nte g ra ting e c o syste m se rv ic e s into the tro p ic a l tim b e r va lue c hain D u t c h p o l i c y o p t i o n s f r o m a n i n n o v a t i o n s y s t e m a p p r o a c h J . v a n d e n B e r g V . J . I n g r a m M . -J . B o g a a r d t B . H a r m s Abstract Berg, J. van den, V.J. Ingram, M.-

In the present technological context, the identification of substances that contribute to the quality of dry cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) beans is as important as the agricultural practices and processing of cacao beans for food safety and marketing. The objective of this study was investigating the influence of cropping sites, represented by different soils (Argisols, Cambisols and Latosols) and cropping systems (cacao cabruca agroforestry system, cacao tree shaded with erythrina tree, agroforestry system of cacao tree with rubber tree) on biochemical attributes of dry cacao beans of PH-16 clone, in the humid zone of cacao growing region of Bahia, Brazil. The average contents of dry cacao bean attributes total acidity, simple carbohydrates (sucrose, fructose and glucose), theobromine and epicatechin have varied according to the different cropping sites. For these attributes, the cropping site that correspond to typic Dystrophic Red-Yellow Latosol in the agroforestry system of cacao tree with rubber tree (400 trees ha-1) showed the best quality characteristics in dry cacao beans. In contrast, the cropping site that correspond to the abrupt Dystrophic Red-Yellow Argisol in the cacao cabruca agroforestry system (60 shade trees ha-1) showed the worst performance relative to these same cacao beans quality indicators. Impacto de solos e sistemas de cultivo sobre atributos bioquímicos de amêndoas secas de cacau. No contexto tecnológico atual, a identificação de substâncias que contribuem para a qualidade das amêndoas secas de cacau (Theobroma cacao L.) é tão importante quanto as práticas agrícolas e o processamento do cacau para a segurança e comercialização dos alimentos. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a influência dos locais de cultivo representados por diferentes solos (Argissolos, Cambissolos e Latossolos) e sistemas de cultivo (sistema agroflorestal cacau cabruca, cacau sombreado com eritrina, sistema agroflorestal cacaueiro com seringueira) sobre os atributos bioquímicos das amêndoas secas do clone PH-16, na zona úmida da região de cultivo de cacau da Bahia, Brasil. Nas amêndoas secas de cacau, os teores médios dos atributos acidez total, carboidratos simples (sacarose, frutose e glicose), teobromina e epicatequina variaram de acordo com os diferentes locais de cultivo. Para estes atributos, o local de cultivo que corresponde ao Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo Distrófico típico no sistema agroflorestal cacaueiro com seringueira (400 árvores ha-1) mostrou as melhores características de qualidade nas amêndoas secas de cacau. Em contraste, o local de cultivo que corresponde ao Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo Distrófico abrupto no sistema agroflorestal da cabruca (60 árvores de sombra ha-1), apresentou o pior desempenho em relação a esses mesmos indicadores de qualidade de amêndoas de cacau. Palavras-chave: Theobroma cacao L., qualidade do cacau, acidez total, carboidratos simples, teobromina, epicatequina. Recebido para publicação em 31 de janeiro de 2017. Aceito em 30 de novembro de 2018.

Ecuador supplies 70% of the world’s fine aroma cocoa (Theobroma cacao), which is later used in the manufacture of high quality chocolates. The postharvest is an essential process for producers seeking a share of this market. The aim of this paper is to define a model for selecting a postharvest technology, using fuzzy logic and the following criteria: quality, processing costs, and technology adoption capability for small producers. The method is not data demanding, and supplies results that qualify those obtained in classical evaluations that only consider the criterion of quality. The most highly valued technology yields good quality cocoa, has low processing costs, and is easy to adopt. Two technologies meet these requirements: (i) heap fermentation and drying with concrete floors; and (ii) fermentation in bags and drying with concrete floors. These technologies are deemed “excellent”. Both methods employ the same type of drying, but differ in their type of fermentation. Heap fermentation and drying with racks receives the next highest rating (“very good”). We conclude that fuzzy logic offers a better approximation to the reality of small-scale cocoa production, thanks to its use of multiple criteria to select postharvest technologies.

The study was conducted in Abia State, Nigeria. A sample size of 240 respondents generated through purposive and multi–stage sampling procedures. Data were realized using structured questionnaire and they were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation coefficient. About 62.5 %, 37.5 % and 64.4 % of the respondents were males, females and literates respectively. Means of 46.5 years, 8.5 persons and ₦31,458.00 respectively were recorded for age, household size, and monthly income respectively. Stepping on sharp objects (X = 3.08), cuts/ wounds from implements / tools (X = 3.38), insects bit/ stings (X = 3.25), sun – burns (X = 3.58), and poisoning from chemicals (X = 3.58) respectively were identified as the common farm-safety-risks and hazards in the study area. Avoidance of fatigue(X = 3.38), wearing of hats/ caps (X = 2.58), always armed with machetes (X = 3.2), protective clothing (X = 2.92), rain / jungle boots (X = 2.92), and experts handling chemical application(X = 2.58), among others were identified as preventive measures employed by the cocoa farmers. Results equally, revealed that the following agro – chemicals: mirex (X = 2.63), primegram (X = 3.50), galex (X = 3.58), glamozone (X = 3.63), karate (X = 3.00), furandan (X = 3.50), primextra (X = 3.38) and copper sulfate (X = 3.25), among others were still in use by cocoa farmers in the study area. About 79.9 % of the respondents indicated that the following operations in cocoa production in the study area still involved the use of child – labor: harvesting, weeding, transportation, planting, harvesting and fertilizer application respectively. The study therefore, recommends that government agencies and stake holders charged with monitoring and enforcement of banned chemicals in Nigeria, mostly in the study area should step-up activities mostly now that the protection of environment is a very topical issue in the world.

Context: Excipients play a key role in the quality of medicines and contribute to viable delivery systems. This has intensified the search for new natural polymer pharmaceutical excipients. Cocoa pod husks (CPHs) are a rich source of pectin. A study of CPH pectin showed that it possesses the requisite physicochemical properties to be employed as a multi-functional pharmaceutical excipient.  However, the safety of this natural polymer has not been evaluated.

Aims: To conduct sub-chronic toxic effects of CPH pectin in Sprague Dawley rats to assess its safety as a pharmaceutical grade excipient.

Methods: CPH pectin at doses of 0.714, 7.14, and 71.4 mg/kg were administered to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats by oral gavage over a 90-day period. Parameters assessed were food and water intake, urinalysis, serum biochemistry, wet organ weights, histopathology and pentobarbital-induced sleeping time.

Results: CPH pectin at the orally administered doses had no significant effects on feed and water intake nor on biochemical parameters, except elevations in alkaline phosphatase at the medium and high dose in the female rat. There were also reductions in creatine kinase in both male and female rats at the medium dose after 60 days, suggesting a potential cardioprotective effect of CPH pectin.

Conclusions: There were no adverse effects of CPH pectin on the kidneys, wet organ weights and histopathology of the rat tissues. Subchronic administration of cocoa pod husk pectin therefore, has no significant toxic effects.

The introduction of hybrid varieties cocoa has led to the progressive disappearance of the complex agroforestry systems in Côte d’Ivoire. However in forests-savannah transition area, these systems seem to persist in despite the high frequency of bushfires, low rainfalls and the change of cocoa trees varieties. To understand the farming practices in that zone, data were collected in 68 cocoa farms located in three major cocoa producing in the sub-prefecture of Kokumbo. We used 105 plots of 0.0625 ha (25 m X 25 m) to characterize the botanical composition, structure, biophysical variation and management practices. In the 6.56 ha cocoa farm surveyed 2,149 stems belonging to 86 species and 36 families were encountered. The average species richness varied from 4 species to 6.4 per 625 m2 plot. The global density of associated plants was 227.3 trees/ha for a basal area of 24.1 m2 / ha. Results also showed significant differences in farmers’ practices which enabled us to distinguish three main cocoa agroforestry Systems (AFS): Simple AFS with open canopy and high density of plantain trees, characterized by the hybrid varieties; young complex AFS with high species diversity and opened canopy; and complex AFS with dense and closed canopy characterized Amelonado variety. These results highlight the strategy adopted by the farmers in the management of cocoa plantations in the zone of transition forest-savannah. Additional analyses must be done to assess their yield and the biomass.

Helpdesk question: What are the political, economic, social and security implications of the Ebola crisis, with a particular focus on Sierra Leone?

Helpdesk response
Key findings:
•Political impact and implications: Initial analysis suggests that government’s poor management of the Ebola crisis has generated frustrations and exposed citizens’ lack of trust in their governments. The Ebola crisis is likely to play a very political role in the next election in Sierra Leone and there are predictions that the opposition will win as a result.

•Economic impact and implications: The economic impact of the Ebola crisis includes loss of gross domestic output, threat to food security, fall in employment and livelihoods, and decline in foreign investment. Growth has slowed in Sierra Leone and is likely to fall even further. Household income has fallen, financial reserves are being used up and large numbers of people are now food insecure. Some businesses are benefiting from the local procurement by the international Ebola response.

•Social impact and implications: Progress in human development is likely to be reversed due to the impact of the Ebola crisis on health, education and standard of living. Quarantines have had a disproportionate impact on the elderly, the poor, and people with chronic illness or disability. Those affected by Ebola or working to combat it (such as healthcare workers and burial teams) face stigmatisation. Social cohesion is also being weakened by ‘do not touch’ policies. Women and children are particularly affected by the crisis. Almost 2 million children have not been attending school in Sierra Leone due to school closures, which means loss of education and increased risks of drop-out, teen pregnancy and child labour. Health systems have collapsed and non-Ebola related mortality is increasing.

•Security impact and implications: Ebola poses a threat to the safety of the countries affected by the current outbreak. There have already been riots and tensions are rising. The diversion of development spending, especially for roads, energy, building schools and hospitals, to the Ebola response, could have a negative impact on peace dividends.

This paper provides a study of Alternative Trade Organisations (ATOs) as a medium for incorporating “fair trade” values into the lives of rural African farmers. By undertaking an analysis of the modes of production as well as the challenges faced by small, rural African farmers in accessing the world markets, this thesis analyses Fairtrade’s contribution, through the use of trade, towards the socio-economic development of African farmers.

This report presents the findings for Ghana of the DFID funded project ‘Assessing the poverty impact of sustainability standards', which is led by the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich in collaboration with KNUST and Jeavco Associates, Ghana. The study (2009-13) objective was to systematically examine the impact of voluntary social and environmental standards on poverty and livelihoods, particularly for the most disadvantaged workers and producers in developing countries.